U. Police report campus crime down in 1994

Statistics show one percent drop The overall number of campus crimes during 1994 was slightly lower than those reported for 1993, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. "Total reported crimes were down one percent or less," Kuprevich said of the preliminary figures which were released earlier this week. "The general trend for '94 was that our numbers were very, very similar -- in terms of percentage of part one to part two [crimes] -- to what we've seen in the last seven years," he added. Incidents classified as "part one" include serious crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, assault, car theft and arson. "Part two" crimes are less serious offenses. "Our percentage of part one crimes is about 75 percent of total crimes reported," Kuprevich explained. Reported robberies decreased last year with 38 robberies during 1994, compared to 45 in 1993. In addition, the number of reported burglaries also went down, from 146 to 100 incidents. Kuprevich attributed this decrease to new police programs targeting burglary reduction during University vacations. He also said additional burglary units were called in during such high-risk times, and students who leave their homes unattended can register with the police for special protection. Police officers will then periodically check the property and contact students if a burglary occurs, so victims can register a complaint. "There was about a 50 percent drop in burglaries in the local neighborhood because of this initiative," he said. Figures that increased during 1994 include assaults, which went up from three to four; auto thefts, which went up from 66 to 72; and property thefts, which went up from 1,083 to 1,130 incidents. "You always displace crimes," Kuprevich said, adding that when police focus on reducing one type of crime, often other areas experience an increase. "The number of crimes against persons is small," he said. "It only runs between about three and six percent, including simple assault. "In actual numbers of incidents, you're talking between 40 and 80 incidents in a 12-month period for a population of about 40,000 people," he added. Kuprevich said these figures are not final and that official numbers will be posted next year. "There can be errors," he said. "One of the things we've always done here is reported really honestly." He also stressed that analysis of police success should not solely depend on statistics. "Numbers are to be used for long-term trend analysis," he said. Jon Brightbill, president of Penn Watch, a student-run town watch and peer education program at the University, agreed that more has to be taken into account than just crime figures. "Any improvement is good and we welcome it, but it doesn't mean our battle with crime is over," the Wharton sophomore said. Brightbill said that responsibility for improving safety on and around campus lies not only with police, but the University community. "I suggest students start participating in dialogue and discussion just like they do about everything else," he said. Brightbill said he has been discouraged by the lack of student action regarding safety issues. He cited low student turnout at a campus-wide safety forum last semester. "Students are concerned enough [about crime] to complain, but they're not concerned enough to do something about it," he added.